UK sowing calendar
When to sow tomatoes in the UK
Tomatoes sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Feb-Apr |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Plant out late May-Jun |
| Harvest | Jul-Oct |
Tender — sow under cover on a warm windowsill or heated propagator (~18C), late Feb-mid Mar for a greenhouse crop or late Mar-early Apr for outdoors. Harden off and plant out only after the last frost (late May, later in the north); outdoor plants need a warm, sheltered spot and are prone to blight, so greenhouse crops ripen earlier and for longer.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for tomatoes.
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When to sow tomatoes in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow tomatoes in the UK?
Sow tomatoes under cover Feb-Apr, then outdoors plant out late may-jun. Tender — sow under cover on a warm windowsill or heated propagator (~18C), late Feb-mid Mar for a greenhouse crop or late Mar-early Apr for outdoors. Harden off and plant out only after the last frost (late May, later in the north); outdoor plants need a warm, sheltered spot and are prone to blight, so greenhouse crops ripen earlier and for longer.
Can you sow tomatoes outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant tomatoes outdoors plant out late may-jun. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is tomatoes ready to harvest in the UK?
Tomatoes is typically harvested Jul-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow tomatoes?
It depends on the month and your region. Tomatoes has a UK outdoor window of plant out late may-jun; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.